A Honduran migrant died and another migrant was injured Friday afternoon after U.S. Border Patrol agents on King Ranch near Kingsville drove over a grassy area where the men were hiding.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. Friday when agents were searching for migrants in an area known for smuggling activity, according to a news release.
Agents on foot and in vehicles followed fresh footprints to an area “which was covered with extremely thick and tall grass interspersed with groves of taller vegetation,” the release stated.
The migrants scattered in groups. Two groups emerged from different groves and were detained by agents. A third group hiding in the tall grass emerged and informed the agents a migrant man was run over by a vehicle.
Agents found the injured migrant who was hiding with another Honduran migrant man. They were both run over by a Border Patrol vehicle, the injured man told agents.
The Honduran migrant was found and an emergency medical technician with Border Patrol tended to both men. The Honduran man died from his injuries.
An air ambulance took the second injured man to a Harlingen hospital where he was discharged later that day. Medical personnel determined he did not suffer any serious injuries, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“The initial investigation indicates BPAs were not aware anyone was burrowed in the grass nor were they aware anyone had been run over by a vehicle until informed by a migrant,” the statement read.
The Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office and the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility responded to the scene and are reviewing the incident. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified.
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